Surgical system

ABSTRACT

A surgical system is disclosed. The surgical system can include a tray and a vacuum-fitted cover covering at least a portion of the tray. The surgical system can comprise a tray and a drape at least partially vacuum-fitted to the tray. A surgical drape is also disclosed. The surgical drape can comprise a cover including an opening and an interior cavity defined by a flexible wall which is configured to receive a support surface. The surgical drape can further comprise a closable portion configured to close the opening and seal at least a portion of the support surface within the interior cavity. The surgical drape can further include a valve in fluid communication with the interior cavity, wherein the valve is configured to enable the suction of air from the interior cavity and draw the flexible wall inwardly to closely envelop at least a portion of the support surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/831,593, filed on Aug. 20, 2015, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/080,391,filed on Nov. 14, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part applicationunder 35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/678,843,filed on Nov. 16, 2012; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/080,391,filed on Nov. 14, 2013, also claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/808,837, filed on Apr. 5, 2013, the entire disclosure of each ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to surgical systems for at least partiallycovering an object in an operating room, for instance. In variousinstances, the surgical system can include a tray and a vacuum-fittedcover covering at least a portion of the tray. In certain instances, thesurgical system can include a tray and a drape at least partiallyvacuum-fitted to the tray. The present invention also relates to methodsfor using the surgical systems disclosed herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A conventional operating room setup typically includes various fixturesincluding a back table. A back table is often a sterilized table whichis used to hold instrumentation needed during a surgical procedure. Inorder to maintain a sterile environment, the table is usuallysterilized, covered, and/or disposable. It is typically locatedlaterally with respect to and separately from the patient operating bed.As a result of this arrangement, it can be inconvenient for a surgeon tomove between the patient bed and the back table. Furthermore, items maybe dropped and/or otherwise compromised when they are being movedbetween the back table and the patient bed.

Typical back tables may also require various items and configurationswhich are selected based on the procedure being performed and/or thepreferences of the surgeon. Often, a bowl with sterile fluid is usedduring a procedure and is placed on the back table. This bowl typicallymust be disposed of after use, and can be susceptible to spilling. MayoStand type tables have been proposed for use to allow a tray to overhanga bed; however, various limitations often make the use of such devicesinconvenient, as described below.

A number of conventional back tables or stands have been proposed andused in the industry; however, they lack various helpful configurations.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,738,405, entitled MAYO STAND COVER, issuedto Ericson, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein, discloses a Mayo Stand with a cover. The stand can be moved overa bed; however, its configuration results in a very limited range ofpositioning options. More specifically, the stand can block light and bein the way of the surgeon if it were used over an operating bed.Moreover, any containers or bowls positioned thereon may be looselyplaced on the stand and may be susceptible to being spilled.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,170,804, entitled MAYO-STAND DISPOSABLE DRAPE, issued toGlassman, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein, discloses a Mayo Stand with a disposable drape. The drape canhold a kit of instruments which can be laid out on the stand. However,the same limitations with positioning, blocking light, and obstructingaccess to the patient apply to this design as well.

Another Mayo Stand cover is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,036,entitled MAYO STAND COVER, issued to Wilkes, the entire disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein. Configurations such as theseaddress the issue of covering the stand; however, the cover isinconvenient to apply, and it does not address the various issues raisedabove. The various conventional cover or drape systems give rise tonumerous problems, including drapes not conforming closely to theunderlying tables, and having the risk of sliding off of surfaces, whichcan compromise sterility of surfaces and supplies.

Another Mayo Stand cover is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,015,entitled MAYO STAND COVER, issued to Lofgren et al., and a furthersurgical table cover is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,104,201, entitledSTERILE SURGICAL TABLE COVER, issued to Comeaux et al., the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Other coversystems and Mayo Stands exist; however, none of these devices overcomethe problems of bowls being spilled, requiring bowls to be disposed of,limitations in range of positioning, light blockage, etc.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,152, entitled COVER FOR AN OPERATING ROOM BACKTABLE, issued to Gawarecki, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein, a cover for an operating room backtable is disclosed. This cover is unwrapped to supply a kit of suppliesand cover the stand. An air permeable section of the cover helps enablethe cover to be unwrapped quickly. The same limitations as discussedabove apply.

Surgeons often find it convenient to have compartments available whereitems can be placed or stored during a procedure. U.S. Pat. No.6,874,505, entitled SURGICAL DRAPE SYSTEM WITH POUCH, issued to Fenwicket al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein, discloses a surgical drape system which covers the patient. Thedrape includes a pouch which can be accessed during the procedure.However, this is highly inconvenient for a number of procedures asportions of the patient's body may be blocked from access. Furthermore,this drape clearly does not replace the need for a tray or table top forfurther supplies.

Various drape covers exist; however, they either involve loosely placinga drape over the top of a surface, or covering the object similar to apillow case, however, there is no close conformity to the surface of theobject, which can cause problems in certain instances. Furthermore,disposing of such drapes after use can be messy and cumbersome, and mayrequire additional bags or containers. Thus, a need for an improvedsurgical system exists.

The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate various aspectsof the related art in the field of the invention at the time, and shouldnot be taken as a disavowal of claim scope.

The features and advantages of this invention, and the manner ofattaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself willbe better understood by reference to the following description ofembodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical tray system in accordancewith at least one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the surgical tray system of FIG. 1positioned over a patient in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the surgical tray system of FIG. 1positioned over a patient in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the surgical tray system of FIG. 1positioned over a patient in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another surgical tray system inaccordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another surgical tray system inaccordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a container for receiving portions of asurgical tray system in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another surgical tray system inaccordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another surgical tray system inaccordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another surgical tray system inaccordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another surgical tray system inaccordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a surgical drape in accordance with atleast one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a surgical drape including a valvein accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an exploded detail view of the valve of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a surgical drape in accordance with atleast one embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the surgical drape of FIG. 15 in anextended configuration.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the surgical drape of FIG. 15 in aninverted configuration.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of several surgical tray systems beingutilized in an operating room.

FIG. 19 is an elevational view of the surgical tray system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the surgical tray system of FIG.11.

FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the surgical tray system of FIG.11.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the tray of the surgical tray system ofFIG. 11.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a surgical drape covering the tray ofFIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a vacuum source beingattached to a valve of the surgical drape of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the surgical drape of FIG. 23vacuum-fitted to the tray of FIG. 22.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a modular channel assembled to the trayof FIG. 22.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a surgical tray system in accordancewith at least one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A surgical tray system 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1. Among other things,the system 10 includes a tray 20. The tray 20 can have any suitableshape. In various instances, the tray 20 can be substantially planar,for example. In certain instances, the tray 20 can include an uppersurface and a lower surface, for example. For the purposes of at leastthis embodiment, referring generally to FIG. 2, the lower surface of thetray 20 can comprise a surface that faces toward a patient while theupper surface of the tray 20 can comprise a surface that faces away fromthe patient. The tray 20 can further comprise one or more indentations,such as indentation 30, for example, defined therein. In variousinstances, the indentation 30 may be bowl-shaped. A bowl-shapedindentation 30 can include a recess defined in the upper surface of thetray 20 and/or protrusion extending downwardly from the lower surface ofthe tray 20, for example. The indentation 30 can comprise a container,such as open-sided container, for instance, configured to receive andsupport a surgical instrument therein, for instance.

The tray 20 can comprise at least one aperture defined therein. Such anaperture can permit a clinician to observe a patient, or a surgical sitein the patient, through the tray 20. In various instances, the aperturecan comprise a through-hole extending between the upper surface and thelower surface of the tray 20. In various instances, the tray 20 cancomprise at least one window. A window can include a clear, transparent,substantially clear, substantially transparent, and/or translucentmaterial, such as glass and/or polycarbonate, for example, which can bepositioned within an aperture defined in the tray 20. Such a window canpermit a clinician to observe a patient, or a surgical site in thepatient, through the tray 20. In various instances, the window can beintegrally formed with the tray. In certain instances, the window can beremovably assembled to the tray. In certain instances, the tray 20 caninclude at least one magnification element, such as magnificationelement 90, for example. Such a magnification element can magnify anarea below the lower surface of the tray 20 when viewed from above thetray 20 and permit a clinician to more easily observe a patient, or asurgical site in the patient, through the tray 20. In various instances,the magnification element can comprise a lens, for example. In someinstances, the tray 20 can include a camera, such as a digital camera,for example, and/or an electronic display, such as a video screen, forexample, configured to display a magnified image. A video screen 298 ofa surgical tray system 210 is depicted in FIG. 9. In various instances,referring again to FIG. 1, the tray 20 can include a plurality ofcameras and/or a plurality of electronic displays. In such instances,the tray 20 can include one or more power sources, such as a battery,for example, which can be configured to supply power to the camera(s)and/or monitor(s). In any event, a magnification element can beintegrally formed with the tray 20. In certain instances, amagnification element can be removably assembled to the tray 20.

Further to the above, the tray system 10 can include a magnificationelement 96. Magnification element 96 can extend from an edge of the tray20, for instance, and, similar to the above, magnification element 96can be positioned and adapted to magnify an area below the lower surfaceof the tray 20 when viewed from above the tray 20. Various othermagnification elements are also contemplated. In various instances, acover positioned over and/or surrounding the tray 20 can include atleast one magnification element. For example, a magnification element 92may be integral with and/or attached to a drape 40, for example. Incertain instances, the drape 40 can include a magnification element,such as a flap 94, for example, which can comprise an extension of thedrape 40. The flap 94 may either be integral with the drape 40 and/orremovably affixed to the drape 40, for example. In various instances,the drape 40 can include one or more cameras attached thereto. Incertain circumstances, the drape 40 can include one or more powersources and/or one or more wireless transmitters which can permit thecamera(s) to communicate wirelessly with the electronic display(s) inthe tray 20, discussed above, for example.

The tray 20 can be comprised of any suitable material. For instance, thetray 20 can be comprised of resin, plastic, fiber re-enforced plastic, acarbon fiber material, aluminum, and/or stainless steel, for example. Invarious instances, the tray 20 can be at least partially comprised of aclear, transparent, substantially clear, substantially transparent,and/or translucent material, such as glass and/or polycarbonate, forexample. In certain instances, the tray 20 can be entirely comprised ofa clear, transparent, substantially clear, substantially transparent,and/or translucent material, such as glass and/or polycarbonate, forexample. Such materials can permit a clinician to observe a patient, ora surgical site in the patient, through the tray 20, for instance.Moreover, such materials can permit light to pass through the tray 20.In certain circumstances, light can pass through the tray 20 andilluminate the patient and/or the surgical site in the patient, forexample.

In various embodiments, the tray system 10 may also include at least onelight source, such as light source 80, for example. The light source 80can comprise any suitable light source, such as an incandescent bulband/or a light emitting diode (LED), for example. The light source 80can be mounted to the tray 20 and, in various instances, the lightsource 80 can be adapted and positioned to illuminate an area beneaththe tray 20. In certain instances, the light source 80 can be fixedlymounted to the tray 20. In some instances, the light source 80 can beremovably mounted to the tray 20. In various instances, the light source80 can be mounted relative to and/or onto the lower surface of the tray20. In certain instances, the light source 80 can be configured toproject light from the lower surface of the tray 20. The light source 80may also be adjustable. For instance, the intensity of the light source80 may be adjustable and/or the orientation of the light source 80 maybe adjustable. In such instances, a clinician can be configured tocontrol the amount of light that the light source 80 projects onto adesired area. The tray system 10 can further comprise at least onebattery, for example, and/or any other suitable power source configuredto supply power to the light source 80. In various instances, the drape40, for instance, can include at least one light source. In certaininstances, the drape 40 can include at least one power source, such as abattery, for example.

In various instances, the tray 20 can be comprised of a single, unitarypiece of material. In other instances, the tray 20 can be comprised of aplurality of portions which have been assembled together. In at leastone such instance, the tray 20 can be comprised of modular portionswhich have been assembled together. In certain instances, the tray 20can be comprised of a first modular portion and a second modular portionwhich have been selected from three or more modular portions. Themodular portions of the tray 20 can include interlocking connectors, forinstance, which can secure the modular portions together. In variousinstances, the modular portions of the tray 20 can be secured togetherutilizing one or more fasteners, for example.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the surgical tray system 10 can furtherinclude a cover, such as drape 40, for example. In various instances,the drape 40 can comprise a bag. In certain instances, the drape 40 cancomprise a flexible wall which defines an interior cavity and anopening. The opening can be sized and configured to permit at least aportion of the tray 20 to be positioned within the interior cavity. Invarious instances, the interior cavity can be sized and configured toreceive the entirety of tray 20. In certain instances, a cover caninclude a plurality of interior cavities and one or more openings incommunication with each interior cavity. In any event, the drape 40 canfurther comprise at least one sealing element which can be configured toclose the opening and seal, or at least substantially seal, the tray 20in the interior cavity of the drape 40. For instance, the drape 40 caninclude a closable end and a sealing element 41 which can be configuredto close and seal the closable end. For the purposes of at least thisembodiment, and/or any other suitable embodiment, the drape 40 can besubstantially sealed if a vacuum can be induced within the interiorcavity. In such instances, as described in greater detail below, thevacuum created within the interior cavity can draw the flexible wall ofthe drape 40 inwardly to vacuum fit the drape 40 around the tray 20. Thevacuum created within the interior cavity need not be an absolutevacuum; in fact, the vacuum can have a vacuum pressure which is lessthan the pressure of the atmosphere surrounding the drape 40. In variousinstances, the sealing element 41 can comprise any suitable sealingelement such as, for example, a tongue and groove system, a draw string,an adhesive strip such as with a pull away adhesive cover, a clamp, aplurality of clamps, and/or any other suitable means.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the drape 40 can include at least one valve,such as valve 50, for example, which can be in fluid communication withthe interior cavity of the drape 40. Further to the above, the valve 50can be utilized to generate a vacuum within the interior cavity. Invarious instances, the valve 50 can comprise a one-way valve and cancomprise a first port and a second port. The first port can beconfigured such that a vacuum source can be attached to and/or sealed tothe valve 50 while the second port can be in communication with theinterior cavity. A vacuum source 549 and a vacuum conduit 548 aredepicted in FIG. 24. The one-way valve can permit the flow of air fromthe second port toward the first port when the vacuum is applied to thefirst port. When the vacuum is not being applied to the first port, theone-way valve can prohibit the flow of air between the first port andthe second port, thereby creating a seal within the valve 50. In certaininstances, the valve 50 can comprise a two-way valve and can comprise afirst port and a second port. The first port of the two-way valve can beconfigured such that a vacuum source can be attached to and/or sealed tothe valve 50 while the second port can be in communication with theinterior cavity. The two-way valve can permit the flow of air from thesecond port toward the first port when the vacuum is applied to thefirst port. The two-way valve can also permit the flow of air from thefirst port toward the second port when the vacuum is applied to thesecond port. As will be described in greater detail below, thisparticular function of the two-way valve may be useful when the drape 40has been inverted during a disposal process, for example. When thevacuum is not being applied to the first port or the second port, thetwo-way valve can prohibit the flow of air between the first port andthe second port, thereby creating a seal within the valve 50. In variousinstances, any suitable valve can be utilized.

As discussed above, the valve 50 can be utilized to draw the drape 40inwardly around the tray 20. In various instances, the drape 40 can bevacuum-fitted around the tray 20 such that the drape 40 closely fitsaround the surface of the tray 20. In certain instances, the drape 40can be form-fitted into the indentation 30 of the tray 20, for example.In various instances, the tray 20 can include one or more through-holes,for example, configured to permit air to flow through the tray 20 towardthe valve 50 when a vacuum is created within the interior cavity of thedrape 40. Turning now to FIG. 8, a surgical tray system 110 is disclosedwhich includes a tray 120 and a drape 140. The tray 120 and the drape140 can be similar to the tray 20 and the drape 40 in many respects. Forinstance, the drape 140 can include a valve 150 and the tray 120 caninclude a bowl-shaped indentation 130, a light 180, and a magnificationelement 190, for example. The tray 120 can also include an air flowaperture, or vent, 122 in fluid communication between the upper side andthe lower side of the tray 120. In various instances, the air flowaperture 122 can be aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with thevalve 150. In many instances, as a result of the above, air pocketswithin the drape 40 can be reduced and/or eliminated.

As the reader will appreciate, the drape 40 and/or the drape 140 can besufficiently flexible such that it conform, or at least substantiallyconform, around the tray 20 and/or the tray 120, for example. In somecircumstances, the drape 40 and/or the drape 140 can be comprised of athin-wall material, for example. A thin-wall material can comprise anysuitable material which can deflect inwardly toward the tray, forexample. The drape 40 and/or the drape 140 may be formed of any suitablematerial, including but not limited to woven material, non-wovenmaterial, plastic, latex, and/or latex-free material, for example. Invarious instances, the drape 40 and/or the drape 140 can be comprisedof, or at least partially comprised of, a clear, transparent,substantially clear, substantially transparent, and/or translucentmaterial, for example. Such embodiments can be especially useful incombination with embodiments including a tray which is comprised of, orat least partially comprised of, a clear, transparent, substantiallyclear, substantially transparent, and/or translucent material, forexample. Such embodiments can permit a clinician to view an area belowthe lower surface of the tray when viewed from above the tray and permita clinician to more easily observe a patient, or a surgical site in thepatient, through the tray and the drape.

As the reader will appreciate from the above, a cover can bevacuum-fitted, or at least substantially vacuum-fitted, around asurgical tray. In various instances, as outlined above, the tray 20 canbe completely encapsulated by the drape 40, as depicted in FIG. 1. Incertain instances, referring to FIG. 2, the tray 20 can be supported byan arm 70 which can permit the surgical tray system 10 to be movablymounted above a patient bed 60, for example. In certain circumstances,the tray 20 may be mounted to an arm 70 which is attached to a bed framemember. In various instances, arm 70 can comprise one or morearticulation joints that can be configured to allow a range ofpositioning options for the tray system 10. In certain instances, as aresult, the tray 20 can be moved side to side, front to back, and up anddown. In various instances, a travel limiting safety feature can beincluded to prevent the tray 20 from moving too far down toward thepatient. In certain embodiments, referring to FIG. 3, an arm 70 maymount the tray system 10 to a monitor system such as those typicallyused in an operating room. In certain embodiments, referring to FIG. 4,an arm 70 may mount the tray system 10 to a ceiling fixture. In variousembodiments, the tray system 10 could be mounted to the arm of ada Vincisurgical robot manufactured by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., for example. Inany event, an arm 70 would allow the tray 20 to be positioned in a rangeof suitable positions.

In various circumstances, further to the above, a tray may include atleast one mounting portion which can be attached to the arm 70, forexample. In certain instances, the mounting portion may extend from thedrape 40 and/or the arm 70 may extend into the drape 40, for example. Insuch circumstances, a seal can be created between the drape 40 and thetray mounting portion and/or the arm 70. Various suitable sealingelements may be used. For example, the end portion of the drape 40 mayinclude separated tapered portions which may be sealed against the arm,such as by an adhesive, a drawstring, elastic, a clamp, a plurality ofclamp elements, and/or any other suitable component or set ofcomponents. In certain embodiments, clamp sections may serve a dualpurpose in that they may be used to package a kit including the drape10.

In certain embodiments, referring to FIG. 18, a surgical tray system canbe supported by a floor-supported stand 170, for example. The stand 170can include a frame 172 and one or more support arms 171 extendingtherefrom. In various instances, the surgical tray system can includeone or more supports extending from the tray 120, for example. Asurgical tray system 310 is depicted in FIG. 10 which includes a firstsupport 322 extending from tray 120 while a surgical tray system 410 isdepicted in FIG. 11 which includes a first support 322 and a secondsupport 424, for example. Referring again to FIG. 18, the first support322 of the surgical tray system 410 can be supported by a first supportarm 171 while the second support 424 can be supported by a secondsupport arm 171. As the reader will appreciate from FIG. 18, the firstsupport 322 and/or the second support 424 can include a troughconfigured to receive one or more instruments therein and/or configuredto support the anatomy of a patient, for example. As the reader willfurther appreciate, the stand 170 can include one or more wheels, suchas casters 173, for example, which can facilitate the movement andpositioning of the stand 170.

In various instances, a cover, or drape, may be vacuum-fitted aroundonly a portion of a tray. Referring to FIG. 8, the drape 140 cancomprise such a drape, for instance. In at least one such circumstance,the drape 140 may surround and cover the upper surface of the tray 120and may grip the tray 120 when the drape 140 is vacuum-fitted around thetray 120 such that the drape 140 is held in place. While a cover, ordrape, can be utilized to at least partially cover a tray, it iscontemplated that a cover, such as a drape, for example, can bevacuum-fitted, or at least substantially vacuum-fitted around anysuitable object in an operating room, for example. For instance, asurgical drape could be vacuum-fitted around a table, or at least aportion of a table. It is also contemplated that a surgical drape couldbe vacuum-fitted around a monitor, or at least a portion of a monitor,for example. In various circumstances, the cover, or drape, can beremoved from the object by opening the drape and then pulling the drapeoff of the object. Once removed from the object, the drape can then bediscarded, for example. In various instances, referring now to FIG. 7,the drape 40, for example, may be stored in a sterilized package, suchas an outer sleeve or bag, and rolled up and placed in a shell 45 afterit has been used. In some circumstances, the drape 40 can be deliveredto the operating room in the shell 45. In certain circumstances, theshell 45, or a portion thereof, can be configured to provide a usefulchannel. For instance, the shell 45 can be placed on a patient bedduring a procedure such as an angioplasty procedure, for example, and atool, such as the guide wire used for such a procedure, for example, maybe conveniently positioned within this channel to prevent the guide wirefrom being accidentally placed in contact with a non-sterile surfacesuch as the floor.

As discussed above, a cover, such as drape 40, for example, can bepulled off the tray 20 after it has been used. In some instances, thedrape 40 can be configured such that it can be inverted as it is removedfrom the tray 20. In one form, the drape 40 can include an open end thatcan be moved relative to body of the drape 40 such that an inner facingsurface of the drape 40 becomes an outwardly facing surface and,correspondingly, an outwardly facing surface of the drape 40 becomes aninwardly facing surface. Once inverted, the seal 41, for example, couldbe utilized tore-seal the opening of the drape 40 with the drape 40 inits inverted position. Such an embodiment can allow the outercontaminated surfaces of the drape 40, and/or the items positionedthereon, to be captured within the drape 40. Once inverted and sealed,the drape 40 may encapsulate a significant quantity of air, for example.To remove the air from the inverted drape 40, a valve in the drape 40could be utilized to remove the air. As the reader will recall, thedrape 40 can include a valve 50 to remove the air from the interiorcavity of the drape 40. To the extent that the valve 50 comprises aone-way valve, an additional valve in the drape 40 could be utilized toremove the air from the inverted drape 40. To the extent that the valve50 comprises a two-way valve, the valve 50 could also be utilized toremove air from the inverted drape 40.

Further to the above, an embodiment of a drape, such as drape 940, forexample, including a two-way valve 150 is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and14. The two-way valve 150 can comprise a valve body 151 mounted to avalve opening 947 defined in the drape 940. In certain circumstances,the valve opening 947 can comprise a ring including a threaded aperturedefined therein within which at least a portion of the valve body 151can be positioned. In such circumstances, the outer surface of the valvebody 151 can include threads which are configured to threadingly engagethe threads defined in the valve opening 947. In some circumstances, thethreaded interface between the valve opening 947 and the valve body 151can comprise a seal. In at least one such circumstance, pipe threadsand/or TEFLON PTFE tape, for example, can be utilized to create a sealat the threaded interface between the valve opening 947 and the valvebody 151. In any event, the valve 150 can include a first valve element152 which can be selectively attached to a vacuum source and permit airto be suctioned out of the interior cavity 946 of the drape 940 when atray, for example, is positioned within the drape 940 in its uninvertedcondition. In the uninverted condition of the drape 940, the first valveelement 152 faces outwardly while a second valve element 155 of thevalve 150 faces inwardly. When the drape 947 is moved into its invertedcondition, the second valve element 155 of the valve 150 may faceoutwardly while the first valve element 152 may face inwardly. In suchcircumstances, the second valve element 155 can be attached to a vacuumsource and permit air to be suctioned out of the inverted and sealeddrape 940. In various embodiments, the valve body 151 can include athreaded portion 154 which can permit a valve cover 153 to be attachedto the valve body 151 when the valve element 152 is not attached to avacuum source. In such circumstances, the valve cover 153 can protectthe valve element 152. In certain embodiments, the valve body 151 caninclude a second threaded portion which can be configured to permit thevalve cover 153 to be assembled to the valve body 151 to protect thesecond valve element 155 when the drape 940 is in its invertedcondition, for instance.

In various instances, further to the above, the valve 50 and/or thevalve 150, for example, can be removably mounted to a drape. In certaininstances, a drape, such as drape 40, for example, can include a valveopening wherein a valve can be placed in fluid communication with theinterior cavity of the drape through the valve opening. In variousinstances, the valve opening can comprise a closable aperture. In atleast one such instance, the valve opening can comprise a seal which caninclude a first sealed, or substantially sealed, configuration in whicha valve is not positioned in the valve opening and a second sealed, orsubstantially sealed, configuration in which the valve opening issealed, or substantially sealed, against a valve positioned within thevalve opening. Thus, in such embodiments, a valve could be selectivelyassembled to the valve opening to suction air from the drape when thedrape is in its uninverted condition, removed, and then laterreassembled to the opposite side of the valve opening when the drape isin its inverted condition.

Further to the above, referring now to FIG. 12, a cover, such as a drape740, for example, can include a first portion 748 including an interiorcavity which can be sealingly enclosed by a seal 741. The drape 740 canfurther include a second portion 744 extending from the seal 741. Thesecond portion 744 can include an opening 747 and a seal 746 configuredto sealingly close the opening 747. In use, a tray can be insertedthrough the opening 747 and through the second portion 744 to positionthe tray within the interior cavity of the first portion 748. After thedrape 740 has been used, the second portion 744 can be inverted toenclose, or at least partially enclose, the first portion 748 of thedrape 740. Once the first portion 748 is positioned within the secondportion 744, the first portion 748 can be sealed within the secondportion 744 utilizing the seal 746, for instance. Turning now to FIGS.15-17, a cover, such as a drape 840, for example, can include a firstportion 848 including an interior cavity which can be sealingly enclosedby a seal 841. The drape 840 can further include a second portion 844extending from the seal 841. The second portion 844 can include anopening 847 and a seal 846 configured to sealingly enclose the opening847. In use, a tray can be inserted through the opening 847 and throughthe second portion 844 to position the tray within the interior cavityof the first portion 848. The drape 840 can further include anextendable portion 842 removably positioned within the second portion844. Similar to the second portion 844, the extendable portion 842 caninclude an opening 843 through which the tray can be inserted toposition the tray in the first portion 848. In at least one suchembodiment, the extendable portion 842 can be affixed the second portion844. After the drape 840 has been used, the extendable portion 842 canbe pulled out of the second portion 844 and then inverted to enclose, orat least partially enclose, the first portion 848 and the second portion844 of the drape 840. Once the first portion 848 and the second portion844 are positioned within the extended portion 842, the first portion848 and the second portion 844 can be sealed within the extended portion842 utilizing a seal 845, for instance.

In various embodiments, turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a cover, such asdrape 40, for example, can include one or more external pouches 42attached to the drape 40. In at least one such instance, the externalpouches 42 may be heat-welded to the drape 40. In certain instances, atleast one adhesive, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, and/or any othersuitable attachment elements or methods could be utilized. In certainembodiments, the external pouches 42 can be integrally formed with thedrape 40. The pouches 42 can provide one or more storage areas. Incertain instances, the pouches 42 can include labels 43. Drapesincluding pouches 142 are depicted in FIGS. 8-12. A surgical instrumentsystem 510 is depicted in FIGS. 23-26 which utilizes a large pouch 542.

As discussed above, a tray, such as tray 120, for example, can include afirst support 322 and a second support 424 extending therefrom. Invarious instances, the first support 322 and/or the second support 424can comprise modular components which can be selectively assembled tothe tray 120. In certain instances, the first support 322 and/or thesecond support 424 can include an expandable portion 515 wherein eachexpandable portion, in some circumstances, can include an accordion typeconfiguration. Moreover, any portions of the surgical tray assembliesdiscussed herein can comprise modular components which can be assembledtogether. For instance, a clinician can select modular tray portionsfrom a kit including a modular portion comprising a window, a modularportion comprising a light, a modular portion comprising a bowl-shapedindentation, a modular portion comprising a magnification element, amodular portion comprising a trough, a modular portion comprising asupport, and/or a modular portion comprising an attachment portion, forexample, and assemble the selected portions together. In such instances,each modular portion could include a universal connection system whichcould permit any two or more modular portions to be assembled together.

As discussed herein, methods for covering a surgical room object aredisclosed herein. Certain methods include the step of enveloping anobject in a drape cover adapted to conform to the object. Such a stepcan include fully encapsulating an object, or alternatively, envelopingan object so that the drape cover may be sealed or substantially sealedabout a portion of the object. Various methods further include the stepof sealing or substantially sealing the drape cover around or about theobject. Furthermore, various methods include the step of suctioning airout of an interior area of the drape cover to create a close conformitybetween the drape cover and the object. In some embodiments, suctioningthe air out of the drape cover causes the drape cover to conform closelyto at least one indentation in the tray, table, or object. In variousembodiments, air can be suctioned out of the drape cover in a first stepand then sufficiently sealed in a second step so that a vacuum ismaintained, or at least substantially maintained, within the drapecover. Alternatively, a vacuum within a drape cover can be maintained bycontinuously suctioning air out of the drape cover during use. Certainmethods can include the step of suctioning air through an opening in asupport arm extending through the drape cover opening. Various methodscan include the step of positioning a valve within a valve opening inthe drape cover and/or removing the valve from the valve opening afterthe valve has been used. Certain methods can include the step ofpositioning a valve opening and/or valve in the drape cover to coincidewith the position of an opening in the object which is in communicationwith at least one vent in the object and suctioning air out of theobject through the opening in the object via the valve opening and/orvalve in the drape cover.

Various methods further include the steps of unsealing the drape coverafter it has been used, removing the drape cover from the object, and/orinverting the drape cover. Certain methods further include the step ofsealing the drape cover after the step of inverting the drape cover.Methods disclosed herein can also include the step of suctioning air orfluids out of the drape cover via a valve opening in the drape coverafter the step of sealing the drape cover. In various embodiments,indicia may be present on the drape cover to assist a clinician inperforming any of the steps identified herein. For example, directionalindicators to help instruct the clinician as to how to deploy the drapecover about an object may be included, as well as indicators that can bematched to certain portions of the object so that the clinician candiscern whether the drape cover is fully deployed.

In various instances, a system disclosed herein can comprise afloor-mounted, bed-mounted, and/or ceiling-mounted system, for example,that can include one or more ergonomic surfaces. In certain instances,the system can include a pre-modeled base-platform and/or a modularsystem allowing for a plurality of items to be attached to abase-platform. In at least one instance, the base-platform, or at leastportions of the base-platform, can be comprised of a polycarbonate, anacrylic, and/or a poly(methyl methacrylate) such as LUCITE, for example,material which can also include a LED contained and/or impregnatedwithin the base-platform. In various instances, the base-platform, suchas a tray and/or table, for example, could act as an ergonomic surfaceand/or a shield for radiation scatter within the applicable proceduralenvironment. In various instances, the system can include a correlatingor matching sterile vacuum form-fitted covering that can cover the oneor more ergonomic surfaces of an object within a procedural environment.Such a covering can increase and/or maximize the sterile surface area ofa non-sterile object enclosed within. In various instances, as outlinedabove, the air pressure within the covering can be less than the airpressure surrounding the covering and, owing to this pressuredifferential, the covering can be pushed inwardly toward the object solong as a pressure differential is maintained. In the event that thecovering is ruptured and/or a pressure differential is not maintained,the covering may no longer be vacuum-fitted to the object which mayprovide a visual indicator to a clinician that a breach in the cover mayexist. After the system has been used during a procedure, the oncesterile-covering can be inverted as it is removed from the object and/orergonomic surface in order to enclose and/or encapsulate the proceduralwaste and/or pathogens that were placed on the covering during theprocedure.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after asingle use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In eithercase, however, the device can be reconditioned for reuse after at leastone use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps ofdisassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement ofparticular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the devicecan be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts ofthe device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination.Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, the device can bereassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, orby a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device canutilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement,and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioneddevice, are all within the scope of the present application.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or inpart, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialsdoes not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to theextent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth hereinsupersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated byreference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only beincorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between thatincorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, thepresent invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical tray system, comprising: a tray,comprising: an upper surface; and a lower surface; and a vacuum-fittedcover covering at least a portion of said tray.
 2. The surgical traysystem of claim 1, wherein said vacuum-fitted cover comprises a surgicaldrape.
 3. The surgical tray system of claim 1, further comprising afloor-supportable stand, and wherein said tray is supported by saidfloor-supportable stand.
 4. The surgical tray system of claim 1, furthercomprising a movable arm, wherein said tray is mounted to said movablearm.
 5. The surgical tray system of claim 1, further comprising at leastone light mounted to said tray, wherein said at least one light isconfigured to illuminate a surgical site located underneath said lowersurface.
 6. The surgical tray system of claim 1, further comprising atleast one light emitting diode mounted relative to said lower surface,wherein said cover covers said lower surface and said at least one lightemitting diode.
 7. The surgical tray system of claim 1, wherein saidtray comprises a first modular component and a second modular componentassembled to said first modular component.
 8. The surgical tray systemof claim 7, wherein said first modular component and said second modularcomponent are selected from a plurality of modular components.
 9. Thesurgical tray system of claim 1, wherein said tray is comprised of atransparent material sufficiently transparent such that a clinician canview a surgical site through said tray.
 10. The surgical tray system ofclaim 9, wherein said cover is comprised of a material sufficientlytransparent such that a clinician can view a surgical site through saidtray and said cover.
 11. The surgical tray system of claim 1, whereinsaid tray and/or said cover is comprised of a translucent material. 12.The surgical tray system of claim 1, wherein said tray further comprisesan indentation formed in said upper surface, and wherein said cover isform-fitted into said indentation.
 13. The surgical tray system of claim1, wherein said cover comprises: an interior cavity defined by aflexible wall, wherein said tray is positioned within said interiorcavity; and a valve in fluid communication with said interior cavity,wherein said valve is configured to enable the suction of air from saidinterior cavity and draw said flexible wall inwardly toward said uppersurface.
 14. The surgical tray system of claim 13, wherein said valvecomprises a one-way valve which permits air to be suctioned through saidvalve in a first direction and prohibits the flow of air in a directionopposite to said first direction.
 15. The surgical tray system of claim13, wherein said valve comprises a two-way valve including a firstopening and a second opening, wherein said two-way valve is configuredto permit air to be suctioned through said valve in a first directionwhen a vacuum source is applied to said first opening, wherein saidtwo-way valve is configured to permit air to be suctioned through saidvalve in a second direction when a vacuum source is applied to saidsecond opening, and wherein said two-way valve is in a closed conditionwhen a vacuum source is not applied to said first opening or said secondopening.
 16. The surgical tray system of claim 1, wherein said covercomprises: an opening through which said tray can be inserted into saidcover; and a closable portion configured to close said opening andenclose said tray within said cover.
 17. The surgical tray system ofclaim 16, wherein said closable portion is configured to seal saidopening.
 18. The surgical tray system of claim 1, wherein said covercomprises: an opening through which said tray can be at least partiallyinserted into said cover; and a sealing element configured toselectively seal said opening.
 19. The surgical tray system of claim 1,wherein said cover comprises an interior cavity defined by a flexiblewall, wherein said flexible wall comprises an inner surface and an outersurface, and wherein said cover is intervatble such that said innersurface can face outwardly and said outer surface can face inwardly. 20.The surgical tray system of claim 1, wherein said tray and/or said coverfurther comprises a magnification element.